A walk that visits Burgh Castle (Gariannonum).  This ancient monument was built in the latter half of the third century c. 280 A.D.  It was one of a chain of forts built by the Romans to repel Saxon warriors.  The fort is rectangular in shape with three walls, the fourth side being open to the river estuary.  In Roman times this estuary was greater in extent than today.  The walls survive to their original height with bastions at intervals to strengthen the structure.  The fort is in remarkable condition considering its age.  In places the masonry is in near perfect condition.  Today, the castle looks out over marshes and the River Waveney.

Walk across fields to the fort.  The eastern wall can be seen with the main gateway.

The northern wall

A collapsed bastion on the north wall

Berney Arms mill was originally buiult to grind cement clinker.  Later it was converted into a drainage mill.

A typical Lothingland marsh scene.  The river is the Waveney.

This photo gives an idea of the area within the walls
The site encloses 90 acres of land

The eastern wall showing the main gateway

A surviving bastion on the east wall

Masonry detail
The walls are built of flint and mortar and the wall faces are made with carefully knapped flints interspersed with layers of  red Roman tile.

The southern wall has the best preserved section of wall facing

This part of the wall has been in this condition for many years!
A collapsed wall bastion can be seen ahead.

All sailing craft must navigate between the red and green markers, or risk running aground on soft mud!  It is only a narrow navigable channel.

This reed is no longer harvested

Breydon Water is the remnant of The Great Estuary of Roman times

Beattie enjoying the sun!

Church Farm has a restaurant and pub attached and is a popular hostelry

The marshes here are protected by a bank from the river

The ancient church at Burgh Castle

Material from the Roman wall has been used in its construction
The church is Saxon in origin

To post a comment click here

Comment from Lindsay
Hi Derek,
What a great day for a walk! and a bit of history, in this case a big bit of history, always makes things more interesting. i wouldn't  fancy standing under the leaning bit, even if it has been like that for a while. I'm sure one day gravity will take over!  Thanks, Lindsay.  Burgh Castle is a fascinating place. derek

Comment from Gary
Lovely set of photos Derek, those blue skies were stunning!
Gary .... Gary, It was a lovely winter's day. derek

 

Return to top

 

Copyright © 2010 Derek Cockell     All Rights Reserved